Types of Boat Food to Bring or Avoid

Episode 2:  Today, Molley and Chad discuss what types of food to bring on the boat, as well as what to avoid.  Everyone thinks about the beverages they want to bring, but there are reasons you should avoid certain foods.  Oh, and did you know there’s a superstition about having a banana on the boat?  They’re joined again by their son, Tristin, for this episode.

Growing up, Molley’s parents typically brought some chicken tenders, but now that she’s older, Molley and Chad have come a long way.

Foods You Want to Avoid on the Boat

• Cheetos – The orange dust gets everywhere! This also applies to nacho cheese-flavored Doritos, cheesy puffs, etc.  The dust gets into the carpet and is very difficult to get out, especially after the dust or the chip itself has gotten wet.  The other issue is the orange handprints from kiddos and guests that get all over.    
• Anything Red – Kool-Aid and/or Cherry vodka, while not foods, can be problematic. Instead, consider a Capri-Sun.  Red dye can stain the seats and carpet if you can’t remove it.  We mention avoiding red pomegranates later in the conversation.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies – The chocolate will melt in the sun and make cleaning up very difficult.
• Bananas – There’s a legend that bananas on a fishing boat is considered unlucky. This is especially true for fishing boats. 
• Mustard – We’ll mention it in a minute, but it’s a stain-risk.
• Ranch Dip or Beer Cheese – If you spill it on the carpet and forget to clean it up, thoroughly, the next time you get ready to take out your boat, you’ll definitely smell what you had left behind. The beer cheese is also a stain-risk.

Foods to Bring on the Boat

• Sandwiches – Lunch meats and cheese are fine for the cooler, but avoid mustard. Some people make them in advance, while we prefer to make them on the boat.
• Chicken Salad or Pimento Cheese Sandwiches – Always good with pita chips, but remember to keep them on ice.
• Snacks – Pretzels and fruit are good for tiding you over until lunch is served.
• Beef Jerky – Always a great idea.
• Wraps & Pinwheels – Tortilla wrapped sandwiches are easy and clean.
• Smoked Sausage Slices in BBQ Sauce – Prepare before you leave the house/cabin.
• Hot Dogs, Burgers and BBQ – You can keep these warm in a wide-mouth thermos until you’re ready to serve them.
• 30-Piece Chicken Nuggets – Place groups of them in zip-lock bags and enjoy.
• Shrimp Ceviche – Put it in small containers and serve with Tostito Scoops.
• Veggies and Fresh Fruit – These are good for you and can hydrate you on the water. Remember to avoid the bananas!

Tips to Protect Your Food on the Boat

• Buy tons of zip-lock bags or Rubbermaid-type containers. They can keep lake water, river water or melted ice from getting into the food and ruining your day (not to mention your meal).
• Make sure you bring plenty of ice or frozen cool-packs to keep your food chilled.
• Remember to pack some baby-wipes or other napkins to clean hands and containers.
• Slice your breads or rolls before you leave. Kings Hawaiian rolls are a great option.
• Bring a spoon! Trust us, you don’t want to have to use your fingers.
• Bring plenty of hand-sanitizer.

ProTip:  Before you leave the dock, don’t be afraid to go over the “rules of the boat” with family and friends.  Everyone is there to have a good time, but in the end, it’s your boat and you’ll be the ones who end up cleaning up the leftover mess.

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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